February 2010

Sunday Afternoon

Posted by teresak on February 21, 2010 Leave a Comment

I don’t normally post on Sundays, but today was such an exceptional day weather wise that I couldn’t resist sharing part of our afternoon with you.  After weeks of snow and cold, frigid weather, we had sunshine and the temperature rose to 65 beautiful degrees!

After church we had lunch and then everyone couldn’t wait to get outside. We made some pictures and I just had to share a few with you.

Some people grow flowers in pots, we grow kids!

Some people grow flowers in pots, we grow kids!

I know I'm prejudiced, but doesn't she have the most gorgeous eyes?

I know I'm prejudiced, but doesn't she have the most gorgeous eyes?

The only thing better than warm sunshine is a big hug!

The only thing better than warm sunshine is a big hug!

Abby, her dad and Lefty

Abby, her dad and Lefty

Hope your Sunday afternoon was full of smiles, warm sunshine and hugs too!

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The Perfect Grandmother

Posted by teresak on February 20, 2010 2 Comments

Is Betty White America’s idea of the perfect grandmother? According to an article I read this week on Psychology Today, she just may be.   Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Phd is the author of the article I mentioned entitled Grandparents in our lives: Fulfilling us, Fulfilling them.  Dr. Whitbourne makes mention of the fact that recently a page was started on Facebook requesting that Betty White be asked to host Saturday Night Live.  At the time I am writing this post over 413,000 people have joined in on the request!

Betty White

Betty White

” To these readers, she  (Betty White) represents the grandparent they either never had or the grandparent who provided stability in a family sorely needing stability,” says Dr. Whitbourne.

Dr. Whitbourne goes on to talk about her own grandmother.  “Personally, I was close to my maternal grandmother, who lived with my family during my teen years. Apart from a few disagreements about dating, she was an important figure in my life. An expert seamstress who made a living as a master glovemaker (her gloves were sold to Queen Elizabeth), she shared with me her incredible talents and it was thanks to her that knitting is my favorite hobby. She also was an inspiration to me. At the end of her life, when she could no longer see, she switched her craft to making woven potholders, just to keep her hands busy. She was super-proud of me perhaps just as much for my education (she lived until my second year of grad school) as for my hand-knit creations.”

You don’t have to look far to find examples of grandparents who had a positive influence on their grandchildren. Dr. Whitbourne uses President Obama as an example of someone who was greatly influenced by their grandmother.  He was raised by Madelyn Dunham, his maternal grandmother. “She’s the one who taught me about hard work,” he said. “She’s the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me.”

Influential grandmothers are nothing new to this generation. In the Bible in 2 Timothy 1;5, Paul acknowledges that Timothy’s faith was instilled in him by his mother and grandmother.

For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that {it is} in you as well.

I don’t remember my paternal grandmother, she died when I was just a few months old. My maternal grandmother, Grandma Layne, was my definition of “the perfect grandmother.”   A Godly woman who loved her family and always had time for her grandchildren, she was the most patient, kind woman I have ever known.

How will my grandchildren remember me?  I am not a cooking baking, constantly in the kitchen type grandmother. I am about as crafty as my dog Murphy (I can’t even make sock puppets very well. Sorry Char!) I can’t knit or sew (not even a missing button).

The truth is there are no “perfect” grandmothers (no, not even Grandma Layne-but she was close!) because we are all human beings with flaws and inconsistencies. What makes a grandmother close to perfect is the love she has for her grandchild, and when it comes to that, I should do okay because I am absolutely, positively crazy about my granddaughter.

My granddaughter Abby loving on a puppy

My granddaughter Abby loving on a puppy

Article from Psychology Today:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201002/grandparents-in-our-lives-fulfilling-us-fulfilling-them

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Friday Fun Links – Totally Random

Posted by Char on February 19, 2010 Leave a Comment

Wait, how did FRIDAY get here so fast?

“Random” blog posts are becoming popular – and I’m always one to jump on a trend – so today’s Friday Fun Links will be totally random links for you to enjoy!

  • NBC.com – I’m linking to NBC, because they have a stunning winter image on their home page that sits there for a few seconds before the rest of the page loads – in honor of the Olympics, I’m sure.   Just thought you might like to see it!
  • On February 27th, Compassion International and a whole host of fabulous folks will be putting on a benefit concert to help Haiti.  Check out Help Haiti Live for all the details. And if you aren’t lucky enough to live in Nashville or LA, you can watch the concert live on their website.  100% of the donations made through the website will be going straight to Compassion International for Haiti.
  • My friend Laura of HeavenlyHomemakers.com has four boys.  Recently they recorded the youngest son’s laugh on their answering machine.  It’s such a great laugh, and never fails to make me smile, and I always rather hope that she won’t answer when I call, because I love to hear the laugh. Apparently I’m not the only one who likes it, because Laura was kind enough to take some video of Malachi “doing” his laugh, and she posted it on HeavenlyHomemakers.com for me all to enjoy.
  • I like to read the Pioneer Woman blog, and I especially enjoy her photos.  This post made me giggle a few times.  Thought you might like to “read” it too.
  • I also like to read Lysa TerKeurst’s blog, and last week she had a post that spoke to me a bit.  Once again, thought you might like to read it.

And that’s what I’ve got today, folks.  Happy Friday!!

(Feel free to post YOUR favorite random links in the comments!)

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Traveling with Mimi

Posted by teresak on February 18, 2010 Leave a Comment

Today’s column was sent to me by Judy Jolly (aka Mimi).  Thanks, Judy! Looks like you and Stella had a great time!

Mimi and Stella

Mimi and Stella

I am writing this on Tuesday, Fat Tuesday (and the ending of Mardi Gras) to be exact. Teresa asked me to share my story about my Mardi Gras weekend in New Orleans.  Of course my main reason for being there was to spend the weekend and share this experience with my granddaughter, Stella.  Seeing the fun through the eyes of an almost 3 year old makes it very special!

The weekend before Fat Tuesday in New Orleans is known as ‘Mardi Gras Weekend’.  This is when the huge parades really get going and they roll almost all day long and into the night.   We began at the 6 pm Friday night parade, which was followed by 3 others.  We positioned our family on St Charles Ave and enjoyed all four parades.   Friday night ended with the Krewe of Muses, which is an all female Krewe.  This was my favorite one with all the ‘throws’ pertaining to women. ‘Throws’ are the items the people riding on the floats fling out into the crowds along the parade route. Each Krewe throws different items relating to their theme, although they all throw huge amounts of multi-colored beads.

beads

The people on this float even threw a few decorated shoes, purses, etc.  I was able to grab a shoe covered with silver glitter along with blue and purple feathers!  Stella loved it!!    The kids all especially love the small stuffed animals, beads and snacks that are thrown.   Of course Saturday and Sunday were more of the same.  Lots of parades and fun in the crowd.  It’s very hard to explain if you haven’t been involved in Mardi Gras!  It’s all very family oriented with thousands of kids all around. We were in the Uptown area for the parades, but they have them all over town at different times. I’m sure being in the French Quarter gets a little wilder but New Orleans is a fun place for families.  It is certainly enjoying a renewal time with the Super Bowl win and then Mardi Gras!

mimi and stella 3

Mimi and Stella in front of their ladder

The amazing thing is to see how most of the children watch the parade from ladders.   In New Orleans there are kits to be purchased which makes a wooden box seat that attaches to the ladder top, then an adult stands on one of the ladder rungs behind the children while they sit in the box. It’s great because they are above the crowd and the krewes on the floats fling all the throws to these kids and adults so they can easily help catch their goodies! So much fun to watch!  Two wheels are attached to the top of the box, therefore the ladder is turned upside down and wheeled on the street to the parade site. A very cool thing to have for the kids!  Stella’s parents painted her ladder with purple polka dots and jeweled fluer de lis on the sides.  It grabbed lots of attention since most are not decorated.

mimi and stella 4

Stella taking a break from dancing in her tutu

In between the parades all weekend we enjoyed visiting with everyone, eating lots of food, and of course just playing and dancing around with Stella!    The best part of Mardi Gras weekend to me was being on the ladder with Stella, and watching her excitement and of course playing and dancing around with her.  After all, that’s what being a Nana is all about!!!

Judy Jolly
Stella MacLaine Jolly’s Nana..(or as she calls me, Mimi)

Do you travel with your grandchildren? If so, send pictures and details to us at NanaHood. We’d love to hear about your adventures!

One more thing before I go….

The following picture is of a new friend of mine, Christine, and her husband. Christine is the publisher of GRAND Magazine (if you haven’t visited them yet, please do so www.grandmagazine.com). They were in New Orleans a short time ago during Super Bowl weekend.  Be sure and read the sign behind them. Aren’t they the cutest GRANDparent’s ever?

Christine and John in New Orleans Super Bowl weekend

Christine and John in New Orleans Super Bowl weekend

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The Reluctant Grandparent

Posted by teresak on February 17, 2010 1 Comment

I know it’s Wordless Wednesday but I’m just too full of words today to be silent…..maybe next week.

One of my favorite things about the Internet (other than having my own blog) is that I get to meet new and interesting people almost every day. This week I met a mom (mum) from London who has her own blog called 21stcenturymummy.com Her name is Janine and she has a beautiful daughter and a great blog. I wrote her and asked if she’d ever written about grandparents and she sent me this column.  Thanks, Janine!

The Reluctant Grandparent

Janine Clements

Despite the fact I waited until I was 34 until having a child, both my parents thought they were far too young to become grandparents (they are fairly young as grandparents go). I can’t imagine what would have happened if I’d been 20!

My mother, although a very good grandmother, is a little eccentric. Right from the start refused to be called Granny, Grandma or any other traditional names, (she thinks it sounds too grown-up and boring). Instead for the first year of my daughter’s life, she was nameless. For twelve months, if not longer, she tried and tested names ranging from Ra Ra to Mad Deb. Neither my husband or I warmed to any of her suggestions.

I think deciding what to be called can be a tricky issue for both parents and grandparents. Grandparents should get the right to choose, shouldn’t they? But if it’s something too off the wall, then the parents could find using their chosen name a bit awkward. Also what will the child think when they are older and at school?

If you feel strongly about their suggestion, then it’s probably best to discuss it with them as tactfully as possible, so you avoid offending anyone.

Quite often the child will decide. When they’re young and can’t say Grandma or Grandpa, they might choose something totally different. I called one set of grandparents Mama and Papa.

In the end my mother settled on Grand-Deb, although my little one actually calls her Deb. It’s trendy to call your parent by their first name, so perhaps she is setting a new trend.

Anyone else have parents that were reluctant grandparents and call themselves something unusual?

Janine Clements

I’m a London mum, freelance journalist and mummy blogger. My two biggest passions are travelling and writing. I’m trying to be the best mum possible to my beautiful two year old daughter, although I don’t alway get it right!

My blog is all about life as a modern day mum, stories, news, top tips, best (and worst) products, advice and opinions, shopping, holidays and travel with young children, and more.

One More Thing Before I Go…. I decided to try and find out what the average age of a new grandparent is these days. The following information came from About.com

http://grandparents.about.com/od/grandparentdemographics/a/Demographics.htm

  • The average age of becoming a grandparent is around 47.
  • The average age of grandparents is around 64.
  • The average grandparent has six grandchildren.
  • About 77% of grandparents are married.
  • About half are still working.
  • A slight majority, 54%, have at least some college education.
  • About 6% of grandparents have a grandchild living in their home.
  • Parents are not present in around 43% of those homes.
  • About 15 % provide day care for grandchildren in their home.
  • More than half of grandparents help with grandchildren’s educational expenses.
  • A little less than half of grandparents help with grandchildren’s living expenses.
  • A quarter of grandparents help pay for medical or dental care for their grandchildren.
  • More than half of all grandparents believe they play a very important role in their grandchildren’s lives.

What do your grandchildren call you? Did you come up with your name or did they? Let us know!

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Giving Thanks for Snow

Posted by teresak on February 16, 2010 1 Comment

gratituesdaynov094

Before you throw a snow ball at me let me explain why I’m giving thanks for snow today.  It isn’t because I’m thrilled to have more of the white stuff here in Kentucky, although it is beautiful.

The driveway to our house

The driveway to our house

It’s because of all the memories I have of “Snow Days,” and the things I have learned over the years about snow and winter.

When my five children were all under ten years old and the gray days seemed to consist of a steady stream of runny noses, dirty diapers, bottles, squabbles, and laundry, I remember thinking that winter would last forever.  Oh how I longed for the coming of spring and a trip to the beach!

It didn’t last forever, of course, it just felt like it would. Snow melts. Spring comes. Flowers bloom. Little boys and girls grow up, get married and make us nanas (what a blessing that is!)

So this morning I decided to offer moms (and maybe some nanas) who are coping with Snow Blizzard Blues some tips for staying sane. Hope these help.

1. Have a picnic.  Not outside, of course, in the house. Get a basket or box and fill it up with sandwiches and a blanket. Go somewhere in the house where you never eat and have a picnic. Kids love pretending and doing something unusual. We did this once in front of the fire place and pretended we were at the beach. I still remember how cute their little faces looked as we played on our blanket and pretended the warmth of the fire was the warmth of the sun.

2. Get out of the house. If the roads aren’t too slick, go to the library and read some books. Find a gym or YMCA and let the kids run off some steam while you walk. Everyone will feel better by the time you get back home.

3. Make some sock puppets with markers (see yesterday’s post). If you don’t have Googly Eyes, use buttons or you can even draw the eyes on if need be.

4. If your children are old enough take them outside and let them play in the snow. Make movies so that when they grow up they can be reminded of snow days at home with mom. Instead of just building a snow man, have a contest to see who can build the funniest snow person.  The winner gets extra marshmallows in their hot chocolate. You might also add some video footage of the kitchen and laundry area of the house and remind them that while they were having fun, they were also making a mess!

5. Build a big bonfire and go night sledding. My parents did this with us once and I still remember how special it was!

6. Make time for mom. This one is hard when you are in the midst of week three of snow, dirty laundry and running to the grocery store, but remember to take time out for yourself.  Take long soaking bubble baths at night after your husband gets home. Put the kids to bed early and watch a movie or read a book. If you have relatives or friends close by you can call on, ask for a couple of hours of baby sitting time.  Most nanas love to help out and will gladly come stay with their grandchildren so that you can get out for awhile.  Many churches have Moms Day Out, and will keep your children for a couple of hours. If you are well rested you will be more able to deal with Old Man Winter.

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